General Podiatry Archives - Page 16 of 17

General Podiatry Archives - Page 16 of 17 - Anderson Podiatry Center Anderson Podiatry Center

How to Get Rid of Ugly Toenails?

Posted on June 21, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Toenail fungus is a frustrating and embarrassing condition. It’s made even more difficult by the fact that there aren’t many long-lasting treatment options available. At Anderson Podiatry Center, however, we offer hope with our Laser Nail Treatment. We have a lot of experience treating fungal nails as we were the first in the Rocky Mountain area to introduce the laser nail concept in 2008. We feel we have refined our treatments to maximize the potential improvement this technology can offer.

Fungal nails (onychomycosis) have commonly been described by our patients as an “icky” condition. It can be painful, make nails difficult to trim, and many times embarrassing. Other treatment options can include topical, which you apply directly to the nail. This treatment, however, has a very low success rate. Oral medication called Lamisil can also be used. It can have a toxic effect on the liver, but I would consider it the second most successful option. It can be used in select situations, sometimes in combination with laser, but we discuss this on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, the laser option I feel gives you the best opportunity to help with your fungal nails. The laser we use is a Pinpointe Laser and was designed exclusively for the treatment of this kind of condition. The original research showed that in 88 percent of patients, it was effective in improving their nails. From our experience, we have found this to be true.

The laser treatment is safe and pain-free. It works on the simple concept of creating a tremendous amount of heat in the nail. The heat is what kills the fungus. The laser light pulses so quickly into the nail that patients rarely experience the sensation of heat in the nail.

So, please consider these options for your fungal nail. Because of our vast experience combined with this excellent technology, we can offer you the best chance of helping you with your nail concerns. We can give you the best chance of not being embarrassed to show your ugly toenails or constantly having to hide them with polish.

Restless Leg Syndrome: Finally, a New Option to Help You and Your Partner Sleep Better- Part 2

Posted on June 14, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

As discussed in the previous blog post, RLS can be extremely difficult to live with, especially with the limited treatments available. However, there is hope with nerve decompression treatments. Keep reading to find out more about this revolutionary treatment, and how it can help you!

Dr. James Anderson, the founder of Anderson Podiatry Center, explains, “Over the past several years it has been discovered that the source of your RLS symptoms might be in the very place where the symptoms are: your legs. There are two, maybe three nerve tunnels, in your legs that are causing RLS in many cases.”

Again, the treatments discussed in part one of the post may offer short term relief for RLS symptoms, but they are not an actual solution, and the medications often have bad side effects. Anderson Podiatry Center for Nerve Pain, however, offers nerve decompression treatments, which may give long-lasting relief by treating what they believe the underlying cause of RLS is, not just the symptoms.

Their nerve decompression treatment is extremely successful, with 80-90% of patients getting better. It’s so successful, in fact, that they are submitting for publication what they consider to be the first study on RLS and nerve decompression treatment.

Dr. Anderson explains how they’ve put nerve decompression to the test statistically by studying 40 patients who went through a rigorous trial of before and after treatment. The results were very promising with high success rates.

Dr. Anderson perfectly sums up exactly why nerve decompression treatments may be the best solution to RLS. He says, “People do all this stuff- not sleeping, they take drugs, they just keep suffering- and they can have a relatively simple surgery in 40 minutes and it’s done! Typically, they walk out of surgery, and have relief in just a few days.”

What’s worse is the enormous lack of sleep mixed with having to take drugs can have a huge effect on your general health. Because of this, many people with RLS also suffer from weight gain, depression, and a huge decrease in activity level.

Don’t let RLS control your- or your partner’s- sleep anymore. Get help, and get back to your old self again!

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Finally, a New Option to Help You and Your Partner Sleep Better- Part 1

Posted on June 7, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

You crawl into bed wanting nothing more than to drift blissfully off to sleep. You fluff the pillows just right, wrap up in your favorite blanket, close your eyes, and…suddenly have an irresistible urge to move your legs.

This isn’t exactly the ending you -or your partner- were hoping for. In fact, your uncontrollable urge to move your legs might even land you on the couch. Thankfully, there is a new option to help, which will be discussed more later on.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system disorder that creates itchy, creepy crawly, “pins and needles” sensations in the legs. The sensations are strongest when you’re lying or sitting down, which is why sleeping can be so difficult.

As discouraging and even painful as RLS may be, it’s often very frustrating for your partner as well. Unless they enjoy that driving-on-a-dirt-road feeling while lying in bed, your RLS symptoms probably drive them crazy.

RLS affects up to 10% of the population. It’s most common for middle-aged and older women, though men and younger children can contract it.

Though the exact cause of RLS is unknown, it is widely speculated that genetics play a huge role, as nearly 50% of people with RLS have a family member with the condition.

Factors that may contribute to RLS include:

Chronic diseases-Iron deficiency, Parkinson ’s disease, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney failure are often accompanied by RLS symptoms. When these conditions are treated, RLS symptoms often subside.
Medications- Anti-nausea drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cold and allergy medications containing antihistamines have been known to worsen RLS symptoms.
Pregnancy- Some women will experience RLS during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. It typically goes away around a month after delivery.
Sleep Deprivation-If a person is sleep deprived it may trigger symptoms, or worsen existing RLS symptoms.
Alcohol- Alcohol use can intensify RLS symptoms. Limiting, or even eliminating alcohol use may help relieve symptoms.

Although there generally is no cure for RLS there are many treatment options, including:

Avoid certain substances that worsen RLS, such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
Seek treatment for any current medical conditions, like the ones listed above, that RLS is associated with.
Physical therapy, stretching, baths, massages, exercise, and relaxation techniques before bed may help alleviate symptoms.
Medications, which are often prescribed with severe symptoms.

The above treatments can often help alleviate symptoms of RLS, but again they don’t cure it. Also, medications don’t always work and can have very bad side effects. As mentioned above, there is hope with a new treatment option offered by Anderson Podiatry Center.

Now that you have some background knowledge on RLS stay tuned for next week’s post to learn about nerve decompression treatments, and how with them you can finally find the relief you need.

The One Thing Regarding Your Nerve Pain

Posted on May 31, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

I recently read a book called The One Thing. The concept was simple: with all the noise and distractions that we have in our lives it’s important to focus on that one thing that is most important. Not an easy task.

Some of you may have remembered the movie City Slickers where the cowboy character Curly challenged the City Slicker character played by Billy Crystal who seemed to be going through a midlife crisis, and he needed to find that one thing.

At Anderson Podiatry Center for Nerve Pain when we explain nerve conditions in the lower extremity we try to keep it simple. We must play the role of a teacher, as most patients have no idea about our concepts of treating nerve conditions. We constantly have to introduce patients to the new concepts that we follow. So whether its neuropathy, drop foot or restless legs it gets back to that one thing.

It may not be by accident that you don’t know about the one thing. Some of you are not aware of the one thing as no doctor has told you, and most of all Big Pharma would never like for you to know what I’m telling you. They would rather keep you on the drugs. So what is this one thing? In one-word: compression. Yes, compression of nerves.

We all are born with nerve tunnels in the legs. Five of them lie below the knee. You probably have heard of carpel tunnel in the hand. There are several other nerve tunnels in the arms that frequently become tight and squeeze or compress the nerves traveling through them. NO one questions this, and drugs are frequently one of the last treatments recommended. The legs and feet should not be any different.

Sadly, the medical awareness and understanding of the tunnels in the lower extremity are 30 years behind understanding of the upper extremity. Why must medicine continue to offer less than optimal solutions for your neuropathy and restless legs problems? Why aren’t’ you educated about the potentials to have a chance of a permanent solution to your problem? The reasons are multiple, but that’s a discussion for another day.

So for now please open your mind to what I have been doing since 2002. When you come in we listen to where your symptoms are, and based upon that my attention is directed to one or more of these five tunnels. It’s really a very simple concept. We don’t discriminate. We simply treat the lower extremity like the upper extremity.

So, I challenge you to reconsider your options when you’re told that you have neuropathy or restless legs and there is nothing you can do except take drugs and live with it. Others may tell you that your nerve symptoms are from your back and you need a back injection, surgery or chiropractic care. It’s a constant story: my back or neuropathy.

Consider the one thing. It could be that your problem lies where your neuropathy pain or restless legs symptoms exist in the leg. We’ve learned not to discriminate because we consider the one thing. And because of that knowledge I feel we are better able to give you a chance at permanent reversal of your problems.

Please give us an opportunity to help you understand that one thing: compression. It may make the difference between years of drugs, being inactive, weight gain, depression and lack of sleep.

Don’t do what most people do, give up searching and never learn about the one thing: compression, and the five nerves that it affects.

Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Arch Support

Posted on May 24, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Okay, I’m going to come right out and say it: custom orthotics, made from a mold of your foot, are better than over-the-counter arch supports. How can I say this? Because I’m neutral on the subject.

You see, during normal motion while walking or running, the foot can sometimes roll too far to one side. The rolling of the foot too far inward is called pronation. Rolling too far outward is called supination. Both conditions are often painful, and can cause other problems.

A normal foot in motion is neutral. The foot and ankle maintain a straight line, and it doesn’t roll too far to one side or the other.

Herein lies the key difference between custom orthotics and over-the-counter arch support: custom orthotics are designed to hold the foot in neutral, whereas over-the-counter arch supports are not.

The neutral position created by custom orthotics stabilizes the forefoot to the rearfoot. Think of a car with the front and back wheels out of alignment—the wear and tear that ensues is a direct result of the wheels not lining up correctly. I’ve seen patients who have worn over-the-counter arch supports for months and are still dealing with pain. After switching to custom orthotics, their pain goes away.

The most glaring reason to use custom orthotics instead of over-the-counter arch supports is when the forefoot is tilted onto the rearfoot. Think of driving a car with a flat tire on the front driver’s side. The car doesn’t need something to support it in the middle; it needs the front balanced with a new (inflated) tire. In the flatter-footed population, the front “flat tire” is the big toe joint. A custom-molded orthotic will support the flat arch by supporting, or “inflating”, the first toe joint, which will bring the foot to neutral. Over-the-counter arch supports can’t do this.

A custom orthotic will help the front and back of your foot work together, creating a more efficient, one-component system. An over-the-counter arch support, on the other hand, will be soft and fluffy and will only support your arch.

Custom orthotics can get you back to the level of activity that will improve your fitness and happiness. So, put it in neutral to get moving!

4 Ways Your Weight Affects Your Feet

Posted on May 17, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Your feet are a vital part of your daily activity; they are responsible for carrying your entire body around. When you suffer from foot pain, whether temporary or chronic, everyday activities suddenly—and frustratingly—become much harder to accomplish.

There are many causes for foot pain, but a common culprit is your body weight. As troublesome as foot pain is, it’s not hopeless!

It’s important to remember that your feet not only carry your body weight; they also absorb the impact of each step you take. When they’re carrying more weight around, they’re put under more stress, which in turn puts more stress on the tissue and wears down the foot structure. Being overweight by even 25 pounds increases the stress on your feet.

Here are four of the main ways that your weight can negatively affect your feet:

Tendon Inflammation – Carrying too much weight causes you to change your posture, which shifts your body weight to the inside. This weight shift puts extra pressure on your arches and tendons, often resulting in tendonitis.
Plantar Fascia Inflammation – The plantar fascia is the soft band of tissue on the sole of your foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed it causes plantar fasciitis, a stabbing sensation in the heel that makes it painful to walk.
Osteoarthritis – This is the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Though this most commonly affects knees and hips, it also causes swollen and stiff joints in your ankles.
Nerve Pain – Burning, tingling, or numbness are typically a result of nerve pain, which stems from neuropathy and neuromas.

As discouraging as foot pain can be, there are ways to reduce or even eliminate it. Losing weight is one of the best ways to decrease foot pain, but since walking or even standing can be uncomfortable, it can be difficult to exercise.

Here are a few other ways to help decrease your weight-related foot pain:

Try regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is a minimally invasive treatment that is particularly helpful with tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Regenerative treatments like AmnioFix change growth factors to the body’s own stem cells that reduce inflammation and scar-tissue formation to enhance healing. These treatments have minimal lay up so you can continue to work out and even do weight-bearing exercises.
Wear sufficiently cushioned shoes. Being overweight makes it difficult to bend over, and flip-flops or other slip-on shoes seem to be a good choice because they are easier to put on. These shoes offer little to no support, however, and will only make your foot pain worse.
Invest in orthotics. Custom orthotics are an excellent way to correct foot misalignment and decrease pain. Anderson also points out that “custom orthotics are hugely important, and take the support you need from shoe to shoe.” Orthotics combined with AmnioFix are commonly used in treating weight-related foot pain.
Do low-impact exercises. Low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling are a great way to shed some weight without the pain of higher-impact workouts like running or hiking.

Whether your foot pain is weight-related or caused by something else, it’s important to understand that foot pain is never normal, and you don’t have to live with it.

Drop Foot: Why it’s Important to Seek Treatment Right Away

Posted on May 10, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

I recently opened the paper on Sunday night and something in the sports section caught my eye. A star Notre Dame Football player, Jaylon Smith (soon to be playing professional football) has a drop foot. I researched more about his injury and subsequent reconstructive surgery to repair his knee. The discussion in the article was if he would ever fully regain his strength and return to football. I’m not sure if the discussion was about his injury, the surgery, or a combination of both, but in it they were contemplating whether Jaylon would ever return to normal.

In the interview Jaylon was being told to sit and wait. What?! The article specifically mentioned an injury to the common peroneal nerve. As a surgeon who operates on this nerve regularly this raised some serious concern.

I was concerned because I have seen many patients with a history of knee or hip surgery suffer from complications of drop foot. In Jaylon’s case it may have been from the knee injury. Doctors take a “wait and see” attitude towards this. However, if there is not rapid trend toward improvement in the first 3 month I feel surgery should be considered.

Waiting could risk more long term permanent damage!

Drop foot is often considered to be from a sciatic nerve that gets stretched. Understand that the common peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that travels below the knee and sends impulses to the muscles that pull the foot up and to the side. So, the basis of my concern is that the common peroneal nerve travels through an anatomical nerve tunnel just below the knee. This is an area where there is potential tightness or squeezing of the nerve which serves as an anchoring point, and when it is released (opened) it will reduce the stretching of the common peroneal nerve.

It’s been my experience when helping patients with drop foot after years of complications from knee or hip surgery that early intervention would have been better to maximize strength improvement. I perform surgery on this nerve tunnel multiple times per month. It’s a 20 minute procedure with patients going home that day walking, and many have improvement within days. This challenges conventional wisdom that the nerves will take months to repair.

Thus, waiting could be detrimental to his career! So, even for people who aren’t professional athletes, waiting may not be the best plan.

This information I am sharing challenges what I would consider “traditional concepts.” It has been thought that stretching of the sciatic nerve is the primary issue, but it has been my experience that by opening the anatomical tunnel that the common peroneal nerve travels through just below the knee the drop foot can be corrected. As a surgeon, and the past President of the Colorado Podiatric Medical Association; Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons, who does research associated with this nerve and its effects on the lower extremity I thought my opinion should be shared and considered.

If you experience drop foot from an injury, or knee or hip surgery please seriously consider this option!

How to Get Rid of Stubborn Toenail Infection

Posted on May 3, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Toenail fungus causes peeled, yellow tones, and breaking toenails. It can make one feel self-conscience, especially when wearing open toed shoes. People who suffer from it often feel frustrated with the endless antifungal creams and ointments that just don’t seem to work. If this describes you, don’t worry; you are not alone and there is hope to ridding your feet of that stubborn toenail fungus.

You can encounter fungus almost anywhere, so infection is common. Fungus is most prevalent in wet, warm, damp places, such as public pools and showers, and inside close toed shoes. It also accumulates in nail salons that reuse and do not sterilize their instruments and basins between customers. So, naturally, your feet are a big target.

Also, if you are wondering why you seem to contract the infection more than others, it’s because some people are more susceptible to it than others, depending on their individual immune systems. In fact, up to 20% of the population has this condition.

Here are some facts to keep in mind:

Fungal infections normally develop over time so symptoms are subtle at first. Affected nail side effects include: scaling under the nail, white or yellow streaks on the nail, crumbling nails, flaky white areas and pits on the surface of the nail, yellow spots, and sometimes complete loss of the nail.
Fungal infections may be contagious, so if you come in contact with someone who has an infected nail you may contract an infection as well.
The fungi that causes nail infections is the same that causes jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm, though it is often harder to treat.
Fungus affects men more than women, and adults more than children.
Fungal nails are usually more resistant and difficult to treat- topical antifungal or oral medications work better to prevent it rather than treat it.

A fungal nail infection, though usually painless, is frustrating and very stubborn. You may feel discouraged not knowing how to rid yourself of this pesky ailment, but there are options in how to remove it as well:

Laser Therapy for toenail fungus is one of the most effective ways to get rid of it. The Pinpointe Foot Laser at the Laser Nail Center at Anderson Podiatry Center is the first FDA approved laser for treating stubborn conditions. Also, unlike other multi-use lasers, our Foot Laser is specifically designed for nails and therefore has a high effective rate. We also have been treating nail fungus since 2008, longer than any other office in the area and were the first to introduce this treatment to the Rocky Mountain Region!
Taking preventative measures will help ensure that once you do get rid of your condition you don’t just end up getting it again.
1. Keep your feet and toes dry- let your shoes dry out after wearing them and change your socks when they are damp.
2. Use antifungal cream regularly, and spray your shoes with antifungal spray to help keep any fungus on your skin or shoes at bay.
3. Don’t share nail clippers or nail files.
4. Don’t share your shoes or socks with other people- remember,
5. When using a public pool or shower make sure to wear shower shoes.
6. Ensuring you only go to spas that sanitize their basins a
  nd tools between each use.

If you have stubborn toenail fungus don’t suffer from it a day longer! Be rid of it once and for all, and enjoy wearing your summer shoes again! Come visit your podiatrist in Fort Collins or Broomfield for further consultation.

Diabetic Foot Numbness: The Silent Threat to Your Health and Mobility

Posted on April 26, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

Understanding Why Numbness is More Dangerous Than Pain

For many of my diabetic patients, numbness develops so gradually they barely notice its progression. The sensation diminishes on such a slow gradient that they forget what normal foot sensitivity feels like. This adaptation becomes dangerous—when you can’t feel your feet, you can’t detect injuries, and if left untreated, these injuries can lead to amputation. The sobering reality is that amputation significantly shortens life expectancy for diabetic patients, with five-year mortality rates approaching 50% after major lower extremity amputation.

A numb foot is the most dangerous foot a diabetic can have.

As a podiatrist who has treated thousands of diabetic patients, I’ve witnessed how early intervention can dramatically change outcomes. Let me share two contrasting patient stories that illustrate why numbness should never be ignored.

Patient Stories of Foot Numbness: Two Different Paths

Patient One: Early Intervention Saves a Foot

Mrs. Johnson (name changed for privacy) visited our clinic with what she described as “feet that were killing her with chronic pain.” She had been taking Lyrica for her diabetic neuropathy, but it provided minimal relief. The burning, tingling pain had become unbearable, affecting her sleep and quality of life.

After a comprehensive evaluation, we discussed treatment options and agreed that nerve decompression surgery would be appropriate for her condition. However, life got busy, and she postponed the procedure. When she returned months later, I noticed the beginning of an ulcer on one toe—a dangerous development that made surgery an immediate priority. I explained how the procedure could not only alleviate her pain but potentially restore sensation, which would prevent future ulcers from developing unnoticed.

The results were remarkable. Almost immediately after surgery, her nerve pain subsided significantly, and she regained sensation in her toes. In her own words, “The foot you operated on feels so much warmer than the other foot.” The toe ulcer healed rapidly, and within weeks, we performed the same procedure on her other foot with equally successful results. Today, Mrs. Johnson has maintained both feet without complications, continues her regular diabetic foot care routine, and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Patient Two: Delayed Intervention Leads to Partial Loss

Mr. Thomas (name changed) had a different perspective on his numbness. To him, it “wasn’t that big a deal.” He could function adequately and sleep well. Yes, the numbness made walking more challenging, but he had adapted. By the time he sought treatment, he had already lost two toes to amputation.

The risk of amputating his foot and having the same issue affect his other foot is what drove him to come to our clinic. We performed nerve decompression surgery on the foot that had already undergone partial amputation. To his satisfaction, the results mirrored those of our first patient—increased warmth and restored sensation. While the surgery was successful in preventing further tissue loss, this case isn’t as positive as the first because permanent damage had already occurred. Had he sought treatment earlier, he might still have all his toes and better mobility.

The Medical Reality of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects approximately 50% of people with diabetes. The condition damages the nerves in your feet by:

Restricting blood flow to the nerves
Creating compression in natural nerve tunnels
Causing biochemical changes that damage nerve fibers

This damage manifests in two primary ways:

Painful neuropathy: Burning, tingling, electrical sensations
Insensate neuropathy: Advancing numbness with decreased ability to feel potential damage

While painful neuropathy is distressing, it typically prompts patients to seek treatment. Numbness, however, often goes untreated until complications arise.

Why Numbness is More Dangerous Than Pain

Consider these contrasting outcomes:

Pain = motivation to seek treatment = nerve restoration = no amputation = more active, healthy life
Numbness = no motivation to seek help = delayed treatment = potential amputation = reduced mobility = shortened lifespan

Research indicates that individuals who undergo lower extremity amputation experience:

Decreased mobility and independence
Higher risk of depression
Increased cardiovascular complications
Reduced life expectancy by 5-10 years

Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy

Modern podiatric medicine offers several approaches to address diabetic neuropathy:

Nerve Decompression Surgery: Releasing compressed nerves to restore blood flow and sensation
Medical Management: Medications to address nerve pain and improve circulation
Advanced Wound Care: Specialized treatment for existing ulcers or injuries
Preventative Foot Care: Regular check-ups and proper footwear
Blood Sugar Control: Working with your primary physician to manage diabetes effectively

How to Assess Your Risk for Numbness due to Diabetic Neuropathy

Ask yourself these questions:

Can you feel a light touch on all areas of your feet?
Do you notice temperature changes on your feet?
Have you noticed any changes in foot color or unexplained calluses?
Do your feet feel unusually cold or warm?
Have you had any painless injuries on your feet?

If you answered “no” to the first two questions or “yes” to the others, you should consult with a podiatrist specialized in diabetic foot care immediately.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The choice becomes clear when you consider the options: either surgery to remove part of your foot after damage occurs, or proactive treatment to restore nerve function and preserve your foot. This crucial message needs to reach more diabetic patients before complications develop.
Remember, while you may not be able to control the development of neuropathy, you can control the outcome through early intervention.

Take Action Today

If you’re experiencing any signs of diabetic neuropathy—whether painful symptoms or concerning numbness—schedule a comprehensive foot evaluation with our team at Anderson Podiatry Center. Early intervention is your best defense against the silent threat of diabetic foot numbness.

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 329-8158, Broomfield location (303) 997-2795, Surgery Center (970) 329-8158, or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

Dr. James Anderson, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in diabetic foot care and nerve decompression surgery with over [X] years of experience helping patients maintain foot health and mobility.

How to Avoid an Ankle Fusion or Ankle Replacement

Posted on April 19, 2016July 1, 2025 by admin

One of the most debilitating problems is arthritis in the ankle joint. This can be caused from overuse or just getting older (wear and tear). It can also be caused by previous injuries including an old ankle fracture or repetitive ankle sprains. In both situations the cartilage that lines the joint may become damaged to the point of almost having bone rubbing bone in your joint. Ouch!

“But doctors don’t understand!”

I hear that a lot from my patients. They come in frustrated as they have been told to exercise more. Maybe they are overweight, maybe they need to better control their diabetes. And they are motivated! But, the pain is stopping them. It’s a vicious circle.

More exercise=More pain.

Many feel they are not being listened to. And yes some think that your feet and ankles are supposed to hurt, that’s just what happens. They may have been dumbed down by all the drug marketing to the point they assume that if something below the knee hurts and a drug doesn’t help, then there may be nothing that can be done. Sound crazy? Well, sadly, it’s becoming a more common mind set.

Major surgery or living with it are the only options patients are getting!

Regarding ankle arthritis: the common approach in severe cases are the options of replacing the joint, just like replacing a hip or knee joint, or fusion of the joint. Both are major surgeries.
On the one hand, ankle joint replacements may not be as successful as replacing a hip or knee. On the other hand, ankle fusion leaves one with a stiff ankle that no longer moves, and a much altered walk.

Stop- consider a simpler, less painful solution.

Before you take the last step to replace or fuse a joint with all the potential risk consider deinervation of the joint. Simply stated this means getting rid of the nerve or nerves that send messages to the brain telling it the joint hurts. The area where the nerve or nerves are removed is just above the ankle.

We have been doing this surgery for 2 years, and our success rate is very high! Patients are able to walk immediately, or within just a few days. I must stress, we don’t remove nerves that would make the joint weaker, but simply remove branches that give the joint sensation. We have seen very rewarding results, and if it fails there is still the option to have the ankle replaced or fused. Patients who had given up are now being active with very significant reduction of pain, and now with no more drugs!

Don’t let the thought of a major surgery stop you from getting better! Just remember, before you fuse or replace consider this simple, proven procedure and simply deinvervate.